In case you missed this in our September/October issue.
Adopting a four day, or at least shorter work week is becoming more popular. We talk to three business owners who have taken the leap.
Working one day less a week and experiencing better productivity and profit? Does it sound good or does it sound like a pipe dream? Shortening the working week motivates staff to ‘get the job done’ and also seems to reduce ‘sick’ days.
Kate Presnell of Kate Presnell Bodyworks in Launceston Tasmania started a four day work week at the end of February this year. As the mum of two kids under five she felt the need for a more balanced lifestyle and her 14 team members agree.
“We can end up spending long periods of time at work. It was something we had been talking about for six months prior and we did a lot of research for what would work well for both our customers and our team. We set certain KPIs for the team to ensure it was a sustainable option. We reviewed the plan with the team every week leading up to it and it was only an option if 100% of the team were onboard with it.”
The business chose Fridays because most public holidays fall on a Monday so that would mean even more time off. During COVID to protect the team Presnell divided them into a morning and afternoon shift.
“We were open earlier and later than our competitors and our customers loved it. So now we’re open from 6am to 5.30pm four days a week.
“The team are loving all of the extra things that they can pack into a three day weekend. Anyone that ums and ahs about making the leap – and it is a big leap – once you make it you would never go back to the five day week.”
Steve Davies of Northside Smash Repairs in Brisbane has three sites and 50 team members. The business began trialling the four day week at the Brendale branch over Christmas and early this year.
“I was a SEMA when the team pitched the idea. My initial reaction was ‘no, it will never work’ but I had time reflect and thought it was worth a try.
“The three month trial worked really well, the whole team was on board so we went four days across the three sites at the end of March. We’re now more efficient and productive than when we worked a five day week.”
Northside runs four 10 hour days and Davies admits that it took a bit of getting used to. “But get to Thursday afternoon and we can see the shining light of a three day weekend… Some of our older team members were worried about the longer days but they have adapted.
“For us it’s been a complete lifestyle change. The working week goes by so much quicker, even though you are working the same hours. I would never want to go back, ever.”
Russ Hill from McKenzies Truck Repairs has a team of 18 and they work a four and a bit day week. “You get to Friday and their bodies turn up but the brains not so much. So what’s the point of keeping them there too long? We don’t do deliveries on a Friday, we start at 6am and we’re usually finished by 10am. The boys love it, we have a happy crew – and now they have it try and take it off them!
“It’s not for everyone. A few years ago I experimented with nine day fortnights and having rostered shifts. I think I’ve tried every which way and the four day week seems to be the simplest solution. I know of other shops that have embraced the shorter week – one of them has been doing it for three years and they would never go back.”
We’re now more efficient and productive than when we worked a five day week.”
Top benefits of a short week
- Better work life balance
- Team takes less sick days
- Potentially higher production
- Great recruitment carrot
- Staff save on commuting time and fuel costs
Top tips for switching to short week
- Know your targets and KPIs
- Trial it for three months
- Make sure it is a 100% unanimous decision